How to Do a Broken Car Key Repair
You're on your way to work, in a hurry, and jam your keys in the ignition. You try to turn it around, and it breaks inside the lock!
There are a few things you can do to solve the issue before calling an experienced locksmith. Here are a few easy solutions: 1. recommended you read . Contact a locksmith
One of the most devastating things that can happen to an owner of a vehicle is a broken key in a lock. This can be particularly frustrating if the driver is trying to get somewhere, or pick up the child. In this case, it is important to act quickly and try to release the stuck key.
Calling an experienced locksmith is the best option, because they'll have the proper tools and know how to take out the keys that are broken without damaging the lock. Many people look for something small and stiff like toothpicks or paperclips. However it is not the best option since they are too large to fit inside the lock.
The best way to do this is to use a pair tweezers. They are thin and easily fit inside the lock. They should also be sturdy enough to hold the damaged part of the key and pull it out. If you don't have tweezers, it's worth searching for a set that is sold at auto parts stores. These are flat and narrow with hooks that are small enough to be placed into the key hole and then grip onto the broken bit of the key.
A magnetic key hook can be used to attach to the metal inside the lock, and then pull it out. This is not always the best option since it could get caught in the lock and cause damage. In this case it is advised to contact a locksmith.
Some people attempt to stick the two pieces of their snapped car key with superglue as it will help them take it out of the lock. However, this is very risky as the bits of metal may cling to one another and break apart later. It is crucial not to turn the key because this could cause further damage to your lock or ignition cylinder. Call a professional locksmith to replace the broken key right away.
2. Drill a hole
Sometimes, a key gets damaged inside the lock, and even with a spare, you might not be in a position to gain access to your vehicle. A drill may be the best solution in these instances.
You will first want to ensure that the keyhole is positioned for a basic tumbler. If it isn't then you won't be able to drill out the pins without damaging the door and possibly damaging the lock mechanism.
It is crucial to remember that you'll drill through an outer layer of plastic as well as an inner layer of metal. You can drill through these layers with tiny drill bits, but you should not go deeper. If you drill too deeply, it could damage the internal wiring harness or cause the drill bit to become stuck in the hole.
It is also recommended to wear a face mask and protective gear while working with drills. This will stop dust and dirt from entering your lung.
It's also a good idea in the event that the key fragment is broken and is still sticking out of the lock, to have two pairs of pliers and tweezers at hand. If there is enough of the key sticking out to be grasped by tweezers, or pliers, this should suffice to pull it out of the lock. If not you'll need to use an instrument like this one to wedge the tool in the lock, and then turn it towards the key to grip and remove it from the hole.
3. Drill a nail
You can be left stranded when you cut your key in half. There are fortunately some ways to fix it without having to pay for locksmith. The first step is to use a screw or nail. These can be found in your home or in a hardware store. However, it is best to try to find a nail that is as thin and as long as you can. This will allow you to fit it in the hole and then use epoxy to connect the two parts together. It is also good to make sure the nail's back is level. This will help it to fit into the cut slot of the key. This will keep it from moving, and could even prevent it from breaking again in future.
4. Super Glue
Many car owners opt for DIY techniques, such as using super glue to repair a damaged key. This is a dangerous practice. You could end up damaging the lock and needing to spend more money on replacing it from the dealer or locksmith.
First, you need to examine the keys that have been damaged and make sure that they match each other in terms of size. This is vital to ensure that the pieces are properly aligned and the key will fit into the lock once they are bonded together. Then, use a piece of fine-grit sandpaper or a metal file to smooth out the edges on the damaged pieces of the key. This will help the glue bond stronger and lessen the risk of a key falling loose in the future.
Once you have polished the edges of the broken key and polished them, apply a small amount of super glue to one of the ends. Only apply tiny amounts of super glue, since too much can make the key too heavy. It will then be difficult to fit into the lock. After lining up the two pieces of the broken key then press them together. After a short time the glue will begin to set and join to the key pieces.
Another common household item that can be used to remove a damaged car key is a bobby pin which can be cut into a pick-like tool, then put into the lock. This technique is particularly helpful if the break is in or close to the keyway or the ignition hole.
A car key that has been damaged with electronic components will require an entirely new key from the dealer or a professional locksmith. broken car key repair will have to be reprogrammed using a different code and the chip inside the key needs to be changed. However, if the shell or metal portion of the key is damaged, it usually just requires an entirely new key cut, and doesn't require reprogramming or replacing of the electronic components.